Abstract: A material handling platform is pivotally attached to the front of the material transport vehicle. Actuator means raise and lower the platform. The platform is arranged to tilt relative to the vehicle about a horizontal pivot at the front of the vehicle. A turntable is mounted on the platform. The material handling platform positions roof supports in an underground mine adjacent a long wall mining machine. The roof supports are transported by the material transport vehicle carrying the material handling platform with the longest dimension of the roof support aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. After the roof support reaches the position where it is to be installed, the roof support is turned relative to the vehicle by turning the turntable of the material handling platform so that the longest dimension of the roof support is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The roof support is then removed from the vehicle by lowering and tilting the platform relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A material handling platform is pivotally attached to the front of the material transport vehicle. Actuator means raise and lower the platform. The platform is arranged to tilt relative to the vehicle about a horizontal pivot at the front of the vehicle. A turntable is mounted on the platform. The material handling platform positions roof supports in an underground mine adjacent a long wall mining machine. The roof supports are transported by the material transport vehicle carrying the material handling platform with the longest dimension of the roof support aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. After the roof support reaches the position where it is to be installed, the roof support is turned relative to the vehicle by turning the turntable of the material handling platform so that the longest dimension of the roof support is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The roof support is then removed from the vehicle by lowering and tilting the platform relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle maneuverable in an underground mine includes an elongated body having a forward end portion with a boom assembly mounted thereon. The boom assembly includes a pair of boom members that are telescopically arranged to vary the overall length of the boom. A material handling device is secured to the end portion of the boom assembly and is operable to perform various material handling operations in the mine. A support arrangement secures the boom assembly to the front of the vehicle. A pair of double acting piston cylinder assemblies are mounted on the mobile body and are connected to the support arrangement for laterally swinging the boom assembly relative to the elongated body. The boom assembly is also connected to the support arrangement for upward and downward pivotal movement independently of the lateral swinging movement by operation of a pair of pivoting cylinders.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle maneuverable in an underground mine includes a low profile mobile body with a forwardly extending boom. Piston cylinder assemblies extending between the boom and the mobile body are operable to both laterally and vertically pivot the boom relative to the mobile body. A bracket extends forwardly from the outer end of the boom. The bracket is releasably engageable with a bracket receiver of a multi-purpose bucket by a pair of quick release pins. The bucket includes a movable portion connected by a pivot mechanism to a carrier portion. Piston cylinder assemblies extending between the movable and carrier portions are operable to generate pivotal movement of the movable portion toward and away from the carrier portion to locate the movable portion in a preselected operating position relative to the carrier portion for conducting selected material handling operations.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle maneuverable in an underground mine includes an elongated mobile body having a forward end portion with a boom assembly mounted thereon. The boom assembly includes a pair of sections that are telescopically arranged to effect a change in the length of the boom. The outer end portion of the boom carries a material handling device which is operable to perform lifting, towing, recovery and other material handling operations in the mine. A pivot arrangement supports the boom assembly for lateral swinging movement on the front end of the mobile body. A pair of double-acting piston cylinder assemblies are mounted on the mobile body and are connected to the pivot arrangement for laterally swinging the boom assembly. The boom assembly is also connected to the pivot arrangement for upward and downward pivotal movement independent of the lateral swinging movement by operation of a lift cylinder.